to think everyone thinks everyone else is going to loads of parties

what is this 'party season' of which they keep on about in magazines etc. Is everyone really deluged with party invitations I'm quite old and never find myself having to buy loads of frocks and wonder which christmas party to attend etc<unpopular emoticon>

I know what you mean! I haven't been to a work "do" in about 8 years! (not because I opt out, just don't have that kinda job, but even back when I did, and when I tagged along to DH's, they weren't that glam anyway, usually a not great meal followed by a spat about splitting the bill at the end of the table then taxis!)

I'm a sahm so don't even get a works Xmas party. We organise a girls night out but I'm usually so skint from buying everyone else presents that I cant afford to get myself a new frock! I do fondly remember the days of being hectic in December but it was pre dc, and to be honest, they're now of an age where its a pleasure spending time with them, watching a film and wrapping presents in the evenings leading up to the big day. So while I remember them fondly, I wouldn't change what I have now iyswim.

Well (not to brag!) I have been invited to 7 work related Christmas functions. It wouldn't look good if I didn't go , and I don't particularly want to go! I'm trying to move house right in the middle of it all and could do without it.

I woudl much prefer to sit on teh sofa in my PJ's eating chips than dress up and make small talk with people I'm not that interested in

Two work ones - I'll enjoy one and be horribly bored at the other. There will probably be various ones held by family and friends, which range between tedium and fun. We'll have to go to them all, though, or upset people.

I used to be very jealous when I was a sahm. Now I do have work dos it's made me realise how rubbish I am at socialising. I'm just hopeless at small talk and feel very to be sat there wondering how to get someone to talk to me.

So they aren't all they are cracked up to be. Though that's probably not helpful.

Have you anyone that you can invite to your own party? Even if its just neighbours for drinks and mince pies.

Wilson It is me. I have loads several of them. They squat at the back of my bottom drawer, twinkling quietly to themselves. One day, maybe I will be asked to a Hogmanay party in a Scottish castle with lots of elegant people. THEN we'll see who has the sparkliest bag!

Ooh ooh - I have just been invited to a masked ball-type affair with a martini bar by some new people, parents of my son's school friend. I am really excited - he is a professional musician and I think it will be all arty and creative. It's the most exciting invite I have had in a few years!! Other than that, bugger all, apart from a village safari supper which I am organising myself, which promises to be a good night. That's more than enough for me!

I know what you mean. We don't host or go to any parties. We might go to a friend's (underheated) house for a drink or two, but that's it. I wear jeans and a warm jumper. We don't eat canapes or multiple course meals.

I don't know anyone in real life who goes to or hosts parties like the ones featured in magazines.

"What are all those women in the Boden catalogue in the velvet dresses at the bottom of carved oak staircases looking at? Where are they? Why do I not go to these places?"

if such an imaginary works do venue was suggested at anywhere I've ever worked, noone would pay up and there would have been a splinter group to some shite all you can eat chinese buffet that "was really good last year" (no it wasn't!)

and I don't think that anywhere where you can put your profiteroles on the same plate as your rice and spring rolls is worthy of a sparkly bag!